Air conditioner with drain passage

ABSTRACT

A drain mechanism has a drain connector. The drain connector has a connection pipe and a protector. The connecting pipe provides a partial passage. The partial passage provides a passage cross section perpendicular to a central axis of the partial passage. The connecting pipe has a barrier plate projecting into the partial passage. The barrier plate projects from an upper portion of the partial passage. The barrier plate provides a first opening and a second opening in a passage cross section. The barrier plate functions as a barrier plate against condensed water. The barrier plate regulates a flow of condensed water in the partial passage.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation application of International Patent Application No. PCT/JP2019/001004 filed on Jan. 16, 2019, which designated the U.S. and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-048411 filed in Japan filed on Mar. 15, 2018, the entire disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to an air conditioner having a passage for discharging a fluid containing condensed water.

BACKGROUND

An air conditioner has a drain pan and a drain passage in order to discharge water from a case. When water flows the drain passage, water often generates noise. In the above aspects, or in other aspects not mentioned, there is a need for further improvements in an air conditioner.

SUMMARY

An air conditioner disclosed herein comprises: a cooling heat exchanger for cooling air; and an air conditioning unit, wherein the air conditioning unit includes: a drain pan disposed under the cooling heat exchanger for receiving condensed water from the cooling heat exchanger; a drain collector provided on a part of the drain pan for collecting the condensed water; and a connecting pipe which communicates with the drain collector and provides a partial passage extending from the drain collector, wherein the connecting pipe has a barrier plate protruding toward an inside of the partial passage and serving as a barrier to the condensed water.

According to the disclosed air conditioner, the cooling heat exchanger cools the air. By cooling the air, condensed water is created. The condensed water flows downward due to gravity. The air conditioning unit has a drain pan for discharging condensed water, a drain collector, and a connecting pipe. The condensed water is received by the drain pan and collected in the drain collector. A partial passage provided by the connecting pipe communicates with the drain collector. Further, the connecting pipe has a barrier plate protruding toward an inside of the partial passage. The barrier plate functions as a barrier against condensed water flowing through the partial passage. At this time, the barrier plate regulates the flow of condensed water. Therefore, noise caused by drainage of condensed water is suppressed.

The disclosed aspects in this specification adopt different technical solutions from each other in order to achieve their respective objectives. Reference numerals in parentheses described in claims and this section exemplarily show corresponding relationships with parts of embodiments to be described later and are not intended to limit technical scopes. The objects, features, and advantages disclosed in this specification will become apparent by referring to following detailed descriptions and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The disclosure is further described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view showing an air conditioner of a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the air conditioner;

FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged front view showing a bottom of the air conditioner;

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an inner bottom surface of the air conditioner;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a drain connector;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a drain connector;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a passage provided by a drain connector;

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a passage shape in a flow direction;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a passage of a second embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a passage of a third embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a passage shape of a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a plan view showing a passage shape of a fifth embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a passage shape of a sixth embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a drain connector of a seventh embodiment; and

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a drain connector of a eighth embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, a plurality of embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In some embodiments, parts which are functionally and/or structurally corresponding and/or associated are given the same reference numerals, or reference numerals with different hundreds digit or higher digits. For corresponding parts and/or associated parts, additional explanations can be made to the description of other embodiments.

JP2011-105178A discloses an air conditioner having a drain pan. This technique suppresses noise caused by a drain fluid containing condensed water. In the prior art arrangement, an entering direction of the condensed water at the drain port is restricted. This creates noise as a gas breaks through a liquid film when a mass of liquid flowing down may introduce gas bubbles. Furthermore, in a thin tube, the liquid film may become thick and noise may increase. From the viewpoint described above or from other unmentioned viewpoints, there is demand for further improvement to the air conditioner. JP2011-105178A is incorporated herein by reference as a part of the disclosure.

It is an object of one embodiment to provide an air conditioner in which noise caused by drainage of condensed water is suppressed. It is another disclosed object to provide an air conditioner in which noise caused by drainage of condensed water is suppressed by a relatively simple structure.

First Embodiment

In FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, an air conditioner 10 is mounted on a vehicle. The air conditioner 10 is mounted, for example, in front of a front seat of the vehicle. The air conditioner 10 may be mounted on various positions such as a rear part and a ceiling part of the vehicle. In the drawings, an upward direction UP, a downward direction DW, a left direction LT, a right direction RT, a front direction FR, and a rear direction RR of the vehicle are illustrated. The upward direction UP and the downward direction DW indicate the gravity direction. The air-conditioner 10 may be used for various purposes. One application is an air-conditioning device for vehicle, including a car. Here, the term vehicle should be interpreted in a broad sense, and includes moving objects such as cars, ships, and aircrafts, and fixed objects such as amusement equipment and simulation equipment. Another application is as an air conditioner for stationary facilities such as houses and businesses.

The air conditioner 10 has an inside/outside air unit 11, a blower unit 12, and an air conditioning unit 13. The inside/outside air unit 11, the blower unit 12, and the air conditioning unit 13 each have a partial case made of resin. These partial cases forms a passage through which air for air conditioning flows. The case houses one or more heat exchangers and functional components such as one or more flow control doors.

For example, the air conditioning unit 13 has a cooling heat exchanger 14 for cooling the air and a heating heat exchanger 15 for heating the air. The cooling heat exchanger 14 is provided by an evaporator of a vapor compression refrigeration cycle. The cooling heat exchanger 14 may be provided by various refrigeration cycles such as an adsorption refrigeration cycle, a magneto-thermal effect refrigeration cycle, and a thermoelectric effect refrigeration cycle. The heating heat exchanger 15 is provided by a radiator that radiates a waste heat of the vehicle. The heating heat exchanger 15 may be provided by a condenser of a vapor compression refrigeration cycle. The heating heat exchanger 15 may be provided by various heat pump cycles such as a Joule heat type radiator, an adsorption type refrigeration cycle, a magneto-thermal effect type refrigeration cycle, a thermoelectric effect type refrigeration cycle, and the like.

A typical flow of the air AR enters from the inside/outside air unit 11, passes through the blower unit 12, and further passes through the air conditioning unit 13. In the air conditioning unit 13, the air AR passes through the cooling heat exchanger 14 and/or the heating heat exchanger 15 so that the air is temperature controlled. The temperature-controlled air AR is blown out from one or a plurality of air outlets 16. This provides air conditioning.

In FIG. 1, the air conditioner 10 has at least a cooling heat exchanger 14. The cooling heat exchanger 14 creates condensed water WT when cooling the air AR. Most of the condensed water WT adheres to the cooling heat exchanger 14 and its periphery. The condensed water WT flows on a surface of the cooling heat exchanger 14, and flows on an inside of a case of the air conditioning unit 13, and is discharged to an external environment via a drain mechanism 20. At this time, the drain mechanism 20 discharges a small amount of air AR together with the condensed water WT. In the following description, the fluid flowing through the drain mechanism 20 includes the condensed water WT and/or the air AR. The drain mechanism 20 has a drain hose 21. The drain hose 21 is provided by, for example, a rubber hose. In this embodiment, the drain mechanism 20 discharges the condensed water WT to the outside of the vehicle.

FIG. 3 shows the drain mechanism 20 arranged at the bottom of the air conditioning unit 13. The drain mechanism 20 is arranged below the air conditioning unit 13. The drain mechanism 20 is arranged below the cooling heat exchanger 14. The drain mechanism 20 includes a drain pan 22, a drain collector 23, and a drain connector 24. The drain pan 22 is provided by a part of the resin case of the air conditioning unit 13. The drain pan 22 spreads below the cooling heat exchanger 14. The drain pan 22 receives the condensed water WT flowing down from the cooling heat exchanger 14. The drain pan 22 is slightly inclined so as to collect the condensed water WT. The drain collector 23 is provided by a part of the resin case of the air conditioning unit 13. The drain collector 23 collects the condensed water WT received by the drain pan 22. The drain collector 23 is a depressed pit on the drain pan 22. The drain collector 23 concentrates the condensed water WT toward the drain connector 24.

The drain connector 24 has a connecting pipe 25 which connects the drain hose 21. The drain connector 24 provides a portion of the drain passage. The drain connector 24 has a tubular pipe. The drain connector 24 is provided by a part of the resin case of the air conditioning unit 13. The pipe of the drain connector 24 projects to an outer surface of the resin case. One end of the drain passage provided by the drain connector 24 opens inside the drain collector 23. The other end of the drain passage provided by the drain connector 24 is open to an outside. When the drain hose 21 is connected to the drain connector 24, the other end of the drain passage provided by the drain connector 24 communicates with the drain hose 21.

FIG. 4 is a plan view in a direction of an arrow IV in FIG. 3. The drain mechanism 20 is arranged below the cooling heat exchanger 14. The drain pan 22 spreads to the bottom surface of the resin case. The drain pan 22 spreads below the cooling heat exchanger 14 to receive the condensed water WT falling from the cooling heat exchanger 14. Further, the drain pan 22 is spread around the cooling heat exchanger 14 in order to capture the condensed water WT scattered from the cooling heat exchanger 14. A pit serving as the drain collector 23 is formed at an end portion of the drain pan 22. The condensed water WT flows along the drain pan 22 and is collected in the drain collector 23, as indicated by an arrow indicated by a broken line.

FIG. 5 shows a cross section taken along a line V-V in FIG. 4. The drain mechanism 20 has a pit-shaped drain collector 23. The drain collector 23 has at least a first inner surface 23 a and a second inner surface 23 b. The first inner surface 23 a is a bottom surface and is also called a horizontal plane that spreads horizontally. The first inner surface 23 a is the final point in the drain mechanism 20. The second inner surface 23 b is inclined with respect to the bottom surface. The second inner surface 23 b is also referred to as an inclined surface that inclines and spreads with respect to the horizontal plane. The second inner surface 23 b is also a side wall surface that defines the periphery of the first inner surface 23 a. The second inner surface 23 b is positioned above the first inner surface 23 a. The first inner surface 23 a and the second inner surface 23 b are in contact with each other at a boundary line 23 c. As a result, the first inner surface 23 a and the second inner surface 23 b provide a corner portion within the drain collector 23.

The drain connector 24 has a connecting pipe 25 and a protector 26. The connecting pipe 25 projects from the air conditioning unit 13. The connecting pipe 25 is also a nipple pipe where the drain hose 21 is connected to. The connecting pipe 25 has a cylindrical shape. The connecting pipe 25 has a cone portion at its distal end to assist a connecting work with the drain hose 21. The protector 26 is arranged concentrically with the connecting pipe 25. The protector 26 is a partial cylinder. In a state where the drain hose 21 and the connecting pipe 25 are connected, the drain hose 21 is received between the connecting pipe 25 and the protector 26. The protector 26 assists the connecting work of the drain hose 21 and the connecting pipe 25. On the contrary, the protector 26 makes it difficult to remove the drain hose 21 from the connecting pipe 25.

The connecting pipe 25 is an inclined pipe inclined with respect to the horizontal plane and provides an inclined passage. The connecting pipe 25 defines an inlet opening 27 at one end and an outlet opening 28 at the other end. The inlet opening 27 is above the outlet opening 28. The outlet opening 28 is below the inlet opening 27. The inlet opening 27 provides an upper end opening. The outlet opening 28 provides a lower end opening. The inlet opening 27 opens on the inner surface of the drain collector 23. The inlet openings 27 are open on both sides of the boundary line 23 c. The inlet opening 27 is open over both the first inner surface 23 a and the second inner surface 23 b. The outlet opening 28 is a circular opening. The outlet opening 28 communicates with the drain hose 21.

The connecting pipe 25 defines a partial passage 29 between the inlet opening 27 and the outlet opening 28. The partial passage 29 extends from the drain collector 23. The partial passage 29 has a central axis AX. The partial passage 29 is a part of the drain passage. The partial passage 29, together with the drain hose 21, provides a drain passage. The partial passage 29 is a lateral passage or an oblique passage. Both the lateral passage and the oblique passage cause separation of water and air in the radial direction of the passage.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the drain connector 24 in a direction of an arrow VI in FIG. 5. The drain hose 21 is not illustrated. The protector 26 is arranged along the outer periphery of the connecting pipe 25 in the circumferential direction over ⅓ of the circumference. The range in which the protector 26 extends is not limited to ⅓ circumference.

In FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the connecting pipe 25 has a cylindrical basic form. The connecting pipe 25 has a barrier plate 31 and a rib 32. The barrier plate 31 and the rib 32 characterize the shape of the inner surface of the connecting pipe 25, that is, the partial passage 29. The barrier plate 31 is arranged in a passage cross section 29 a that intersects the central axis AX of the partial passage 29.

Specifically, the passage cross section 29 a is a passage cross section 29 a perpendicular to the central axis AX. The barrier plate 31 and the rib 32 are arranged only on the upper part of the inner surface defined by the connecting pipe 25 in the direction of gravity.

The barrier plate 31 projects toward the inside of the partial passage 29. The barrier plate 31 is positioned on the inner surface of the connecting pipe 25, that is, in the partial passage 29. The barrier plate 31 is integrally formed with the case of the air conditioning unit 13 by a resin material. That is, the barrier plate 31 is integrally molded with the resin material that provides the connecting pipe 25. The barrier plate 31 is also a radial rib that projects inward in the radial direction from the inner surface of the connection pipe 25. The barrier plate 31 is also a low rib that does not reach the central axis AX of the connecting pipe 25. The barrier plate 31 defines a half-circular opening in the central portion of the partial passage 29. A height of the barrier plate 31 in the radial direction is several millimeters.

The barrier plate 31 is positioned only in the arc range in the circumferential direction of the connecting pipe 25. The barrier plate 31 is arranged at the entrance of the partial passage 29. The barrier plate 31 is in contact with the inlet opening 27. The barrier plate 31 spreads along the inlet opening 27. The barrier plate 31 is positioned above the inlet opening 27. The barrier plate 31 spreads over a predetermined angle in the inlet opening 27. The predetermined angle is about 180 degrees. The predetermined angle is greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees. The barrier plate 31 extends in a partial arc shape along the inner surface of the partial passage 29. The barrier plate 31 has a shape that may also be called a partial annular shape.

The barrier plate 31 has a predetermined thickness from the edge of the inlet opening 27. The thickness of the barrier plate 31 is several millimeters. The thickness of the barrier plate 31 is such that bubbles can immediately reach an inside of the drain collector 23 from a back side cavity of the barrier plate 31.

The height of the barrier plate 31 in the radial direction is a height that temporarily blocks an entering flow of the condensed water WT from the drain collector 23 to the partial passage 29 when a large amount of the condensed water WT flows into the drain collector 23. The barrier plate 31 temporarily holds the condensed water WT in the drain collector 23. In another viewpoint, when a large amount of condensed water WT flows through the partial passage 29, the barrier plate 31 forms a cavity for the air AR on the back side of the barrier plate 31, that is, on the upper portion of the partial passage 29. The barrier plate 31 serves as a barrier against the condensed water WT. The barrier plate 31 regulates a flow of condensed water WT in the partial passage 29.

The barrier plate 31 is arranged only above the partial passage. The barrier plate 31 is not provided under the partial passage 29. If the barrier plate 31 is located at the bottom, dust contained in the condensed water WT may accumulate. The barrier plate 31 arranged on the partial passage 29 suppresses the accumulation of dust.

The rib 32 is positioned on the inner surface of the connecting pipe 25, that is, in the partial passage 29. The rib 32 is integrally formed with the resin case of the air conditioning unit 13. The rib 32 projects radially inward from the inner surface of the connecting pipe 25. Moreover, the rib 32 is a low rib that does not reach the central axis AX of the connecting pipe 25. The rib 32 is positioned only in a part of the connecting pipe 25 in the circumferential direction. The rib 32 extends along the central axis AX of the connecting pipe 25.

The rib 32 extends continuously between the inlet opening 27 and the outlet opening 28. The rib 32 is positioned behind the barrier plate 31. The rib 32 is continuous behind the barrier plate 31. The rib 32 reinforces the connecting pipe 25. The rib 32 reinforces the barrier plate 31.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a shape of the partial passage 29 defined by the drain connector 24. The partial passage 29 opens into the depression of the drain collector 23 through the inlet opening 27. The inlet opening 27 is open over both the first inner surface 23 a and the second inner surface 23 b. The inlet opening 27 provides a continuous series of openings that spread over both the first inner surface 23 a and the second inner surface 23 b. The barrier plate 31 extends from the second inner surface 23 b. Therefore, the barrier plate 31 is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane.

The inlet opening 27 has a shape defined by an intersection of the first inner surface 23 a and the partial passage 29. The intersection of the first inner surface 23 a and the partial passage 29 provides an elongated half-circular edge. The intersection of the first inner surface 23 a and the partial passage 29 has a large opening at the bottom surface of the drain collector 23. Therefore, the intersection of the first inner surface 23 a and the partial passage 29 contributes to smoothly receive the condensed water WT from an upper portion to a lower portion.

The inlet opening 27 has a shape which is reduced and limited by the barrier plate 31 from a basic shape. The basic shape is defined by the intersection of the second inner surface 23 b and the partial passage 29. The barrier plate 31 reduces and limits an area of the basic shape at an upper portion of the basic shape. The basic shape is a half-circle. The second opening 27 b is narrowed by the barrier plate 31 to have an area narrower than the basic shape. The barrier plate 31 is parallel to the second inner surface 23 b. The barrier plate 31 is provided by an inclined plate inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. Thereby, the splash of the condensed water WT by the barrier plate 31 is suppressed. The second opening 27 b is smaller than a half-circle. Moreover, the second opening 27 b is narrowed at an upper portion of the basic shape. The second opening 27 b is an Ω (OMEGA) type opening.

The barrier plate 31 defines the first opening 27 a and the second opening 27 b in a passage cross section 29 a perpendicular to the central axis AX of the partial passage 29. The first opening 27 a and the second opening 27 b are formed in the passage cross section 29 a perpendicular to the central axis AX of the partial passage 29. The first opening 27 a provides a main opening in the passage cross section 29 a. The first opening 27 a is positioned in a lower portion of the passage cross section 29 a. The second opening 27 b is positioned in an upper portion of the passage cross section 29 a. The second opening 27 b is positioned above the first opening 27 a. The first opening 27 a and the second opening 27 b are continuous as a series of opening.

The second opening 27 b has the barrier plate 31 only at the upper portion.

The barrier plate 31 is a partially annular plate. The partially annular plate has an radial outside boundary continuous to the wall of the partial passage 29. The partially annular plate has an radial inside edge defining the second opening 27 b. The partially annular plate has radial edges on both ends in the circumferential direction. The barrier plate 31 projects in a shape of an inner flange spreading over about 180 degrees with respect to the partial passage 29 having an inner surface of the cylinder. The barrier plate 31 has an eaves shape with respect to the partial passage 29 having an inner surface of the cylinder. The second opening 27 b limited by the barrier plate 31 easily causes the air AR having buoyancy to flow out from a lower portion to an upper portion. In addition, the back surface of the barrier plate 31, that is, the area inside the partial passage 29, easily guides the air AR having buoyancy to the vicinity of the second opening 27 b. The second opening 27 b contributes to guide the air AR smoothly from a lower portion to an upper portion.

FIG. 8 is a plan view in an arrow symbol VIII in FIG. 7. The first opening 27 a is also a lower opening positioned below the second opening 27 b. The second opening 27 b is also an upper opening positioned above the first opening 27 a. The second opening 27 b projects upward from the first opening 27 a. Moreover, the barrier plate 31 narrows the second opening 27 b in the left-right direction. The second opening 27 b provides the uppermost portion of the inlet opening 27.

In the passage cross section 29 a, the first opening 27 a provides a passage area A1. In the passage cross section 29 a, the second opening 27 b provides a passage area A2. The passage area A2 is smaller than the passage area A1 (A2<A1). The range of the passage area A1 is below a horizontal line defined by the barrier plate 31. The range of the passage area A1 is a range indicated by dots. The range of the passage area A2 is above the horizontal line. The range of the passage area A2 is a range without a dot.

According to this embodiment, noise caused by a mixed flow of the condensed water WT and the air AR is suppressed. Specifically, noise of the condensed water WT colliding with the wall surface and/or burst noise of the liquid film of the condensed water WT is suppressed.

Assume a case where a large amount of condensed water WT flows from the drain pan 22 to the drain collector 23. For example, the condensed water WT may collect on a part of the drain pan 22 due to an inclination of the vehicle, the traveling of a curve, or the like. In this case, a large amount of condensed water WT flows into the drain collector 23 when the inclination of the vehicle is canceled or when the curve traveling is completed. The barrier plate 31 partially narrows the cross-sectional area of the partial passage 29 as the drain path. As a result, the condensed water WT temporarily stays in the drain collector 23. At this time, the condensed water WT covers the inlet opening 27 of the partial passage 29. As a result, only the condensed water WT continuously flows into the partial passage 29. Therefore, the condensed water WT can flow down through the partial passage 29 and the drain hose 21 without being mixed with air.

Furthermore, even if a large amount of condensed water WT flows into the partial passage 29, the barrier plate 31 keeps a space for the air AR in the upper portion of the partial passage 29. The condensed water WT tries to flow down from the drain collector 23 to the partial passage 29 due to its own weight. The barrier plate 31 serves as a barrier against the condensed water WT. As a result, the condensed water WT bypasses the barrier plate 31 and flows to the lower portion of the partial passage 29. The barrier plate 31 suppresses the condensed water WT from reaching the back of the barrier plate 31. At the same time, the air AR in the partial passage 29 moves toward the upper portion of the partial passage 29 due to buoyancy. Therefore, the condensed water WT can flow down through the partial passage 29 and the drain hose 21 without being mixed with air.

Second Embodiment

This embodiment is a modification based on the preceding embodiment. In the above embodiment, the inlet opening 27 is open over both the first inner surface 23 a and the second inner surface 23 b. Alternatively, the inlet opening 27 may be opened only on the first inner surface 23 a or the second inner surface 23 b.

In FIG. 9, the inlet opening 27 is opened only on the first inner surface 23 a. Therefore, an edge of the inlet opening 27 has an elongated circular shape. The barrier plate 31 is arranged only above the passage cross section 29 a. Also in this embodiment, the barrier plate 31 is in contact with the inlet opening 27. The barrier plate 31 divides the partial passage 29 into a first opening 227 a and a second opening 227 b. Also in this embodiment, the first opening 227 a and the second opening 227 b are formed in the passage cross section 29 a perpendicular to the central axis AX of the partial passage 29. Also in this embodiment, the same effects as those of the preceding embodiments may be obtained.

Third Embodiment

This embodiment is a modification based on the preceding embodiment. In FIG. 10, the inlet opening 27 is opened only on the second inner surface 23 b. Therefore, an edge of the inlet opening 27 has an elongated circular shape. The barrier plate 31 is arranged only above the passage cross section 29 a. The barrier plate 31 defines a first opening 327 a and a second opening 327 b within the partial passage 29. Also in this embodiment, the first opening 327 a and the second opening 327 b are formed in the passage cross section 29 a perpendicular to the central axis AX of the partial passage 29. Also in this embodiment, the same effects as those of the preceding embodiments may be obtained.

Fourth Embodiment

This embodiment is a modification based on the preceding embodiment. In the above embodiment, the connecting pipe 25 has the rib 32. Alternatively, the connecting pipe 25 may include only the barrier plate 31 without including the rib 32.

In FIG. 11, the partial passage 29 has the barrier plate 31. The partial passage 29 does not include the rib 32. The partial passage 29 has a circular cross section. The barrier plate 31 defines the first opening 27 a and the second opening 427 b. The second opening 427 b has a slit shape extending in a vertical direction. The second opening 427 b communicates with the first opening 27 a at a lower end. The second opening 427 b reaches an edge of the partial passage 29 at an upper end.

The barrier plate 31 has a right half portion 431 a and a left half portion 431 b positioned on the left and right of the second opening 427 b. The right half portion 431 a and the left half portion 431 b define a second opening 427 b between them. Also in this embodiment, the same effects as those of the preceding embodiments may be obtained.

Fifth Embodiment

This embodiment is a modification based on the preceding embodiment. In the above-mentioned embodiment, the first opening 27 a and the second openings 27 b, 227 b, 327 b, and 427 b are open for free passage. Alternatively, the second opening may be provided by an opening independent of the first opening.

In FIG. 12, the barrier plate 31 defines a second opening 527 b. The second opening 527 b is provided by a through hole that penetrates the barrier plate 31. The second opening 527 b is independent of the first opening 27 a. Also in this embodiment, the same effects as those of the preceding embodiments may be obtained.

Sixth Embodiment

This embodiment is a modification based on the preceding embodiment. In the above embodiment, the barrier plate 31 defines the second openings 27 b, 227 b, 327 b, 427 b, 527 b. Alternatively, the barrier plate may have a shape that does not define the second opening.

In FIG. 13, the barrier plate 631 defines the first opening 27 a. The barrier plate 631 does not define the first opening. The barrier plate 631 is provided by a fan-shaped plate surrounded by chords and arcs. Also in this embodiment, the barrier plate 631 functions as a barrier plate for the condensed water WT. Also in this embodiment, the same effects as those of the preceding embodiments may be obtained.

Seventh Embodiment

This embodiment is a modification based on the preceding embodiment. In the above embodiment, the barrier plates 31 and 631 are arranged at the uppermost part of the partial passage 29. Alternatively, the barrier plates may be provided at various positions in the partial passage 29.

In FIG. 14, the barrier plate 731 is provided in an intermediate portion of the partial passage 29. Also in this embodiment, the barrier plate 731 functions as a barrier plate for the condensed water WT. Also in this embodiment, the same effects as those of the preceding embodiments may be obtained.

Eighth Embodiment

This embodiment is a modification based on the preceding embodiment. In FIG. 15, the barrier plate 831 is provided at a lower end portion of the partial passage 29. Also in this embodiment, the barrier plate 831 functions as a barrier plate for the condensed water WT. The barrier plate 831 provides a barrier at the boundary between the partial passage 29 and the cylindrical cavity in the drain hose 21. Therefore, the barrier plate 831 regulates the flow of the condensed water WT from the partial passage 29 to the drain hose 21. Also in this embodiment, the same effects as those of the preceding embodiments may be obtained.

Other Embodiments

The disclosure in this specification, the drawings, and the like is not limited to the illustrated embodiments. The disclosure encompasses the illustrated embodiments and variations thereof by those skilled in the art. For example, the present disclosure is not limited to the combinations of components and/or elements shown in the embodiments. The present disclosure may be implemented in various combinations. The present disclosure may have additional portions which may be added to the embodiments. The present disclosure encompasses omission of the components and/or elements of the embodiments. The present disclosure encompasses the replacement or combination of components and/or elements between one embodiment and another. The disclosed technical scope is not limited to the description of the embodiment. Several technical scopes disclosed are indicated by descriptions in the claims and should be understood to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the descriptions in the claims.

In the above embodiment, the barrier plates 31, 631, 731, 831 spread in the passage cross section 29 a perpendicular to the central axis AX of the partial passage 29. Alternatively, the barrier plate may be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the passage cross section 29 a. For example, the barrier plate may be inclined to follow the flow of the condensed water WT.

Further, in the above embodiment, the partial passage 29 is provided by the inclined passage. Alternatively, the partial passage 29 may be a horizontal passage extending in the horizontal direction. Also in this case, the upper part and the lower part may be defined in the partial passage 29. Further, the partial passage 29 may be a vertical passage extending in the vertical direction. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An air conditioner comprising: a cooling heat exchanger for cooling air; and an air conditioning unit, wherein the air conditioning unit includes: a drain pan disposed under the cooling heat exchanger for receiving condensed water from the cooling heat exchanger; a drain collector provided on a part of the drain pan for collecting the condensed water; and a connecting pipe which communicates with the drain collector and provides a partial passage extending from the drain collector, wherein the connecting pipe has a barrier plate protruding toward an inside of the partial passage and serving as a barrier to the condensed water, and wherein in the passage cross section of the partial passage, the barrier plate defines a first opening positioned at a lower portion and a second opening positioned above the first opening, and wherein a passage area provided by the second opening is smaller than a passage area provided by the first opening (A2<A1).
 2. The air conditioner claimed in claim 1, wherein the first opening and the second opening are continuous as a series of openings.
 3. The air conditioner claimed in claim 1, wherein the drain collector has a first inner surface as a bottom surface and a second inner surface, which is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane , positioned above the bottom surface, and wherein the partial passage is an inclined passage inclined with respect to a horizontal plane, and is open over both the first inner surface and the second inner surface, and wherein the barrier plate extends from the second inner surface.
 4. The air conditioner claimed in claim 1, wherein the barrier plate extends in a partial arc shape along the inner surface of the partial passage.
 5. The air conditioner claimed in claim 1, wherein the barrier plate is arranged at an inlet of the partial passage.
 6. The air conditioner claimed in claim 1, wherein the barrier plate is arranged only above the partial passage.
 7. The air conditioner claimed in claim 1, wherein the barrier plate is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane.
 8. The air conditioner claimed in claim 1, wherein the barrier plate is arranged in a passage cross section intersecting a central axis of the partial passage.
 9. The air conditioner claimed in claim 1, wherein the barrier plate is integrally molded with a resin member that provides the connection pipe.
 10. An air conditioner comprising: a cooling heat exchanger for cooling air; and an air conditioning unit, wherein the air conditioning unit includes: a drain pan disposed under the cooling heat exchanger for receiving condensed water from the cooling heat exchanger; a drain collector provided on a part of the drain pan for collecting the condensed water; and a connecting pipe which communicates with the drain collector and provides a partial passage extending from the drain collector, wherein the connecting pipe has a barrier plate protruding toward an inside of the partial passage and serving as a barrier to the condensed water, and wherein the drain collector has a first inner surface as a bottom surface and a second inner surface, which is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane , positioned above the bottom surface, and wherein the partial passage is an inclined passage inclined with respect to a horizontal plane, and is open over both the first inner surface and the second inner surface, and wherein the barrier plate extends from the second inner surface.
 11. The air conditioner claimed in claim 10, wherein the barrier plate extends in a partial arc shape along the inner surface of the partial passage.
 12. The air conditioner claimed in claim 10, wherein the barrier plate is arranged at an inlet of the partial passage.
 13. The air conditioner claimed in claim 10, wherein the barrier plate is arranged only above the partial passage.
 14. The air conditioner claimed in claim 10, wherein the barrier plate is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane.
 15. The air conditioner claimed in claim 10, wherein the barrier plate is arranged in a passage cross section intersecting a central axis of the partial passage.
 16. The air conditioner claimed in claim 10, wherein the barrier plate is integrally molded with a resin member that provides the connection pipe. 